Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 31 December 2024
A solemn function was organised at the Andaman Club on December 30, 2024, to commemorate the historic first Tricolour Hoisting on Indian soil by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on December 30, 1943, at Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram). This moment marked the declaration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the first Indian Territory freed from British rule.
In light of the ongoing national mourning following the passing of Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the ceremony was conducted with reverence and simplicity. Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, led the event by offering floral tributes to honor this significant occasion. Senior administration officials, members of the Freedom Fighters and National Service (FANS), and the general public joined in paying their respects.
The program opened with a poignant address reflecting on the historical importance of the first flag hoisting and the sacrifices of freedom fighters who paved the way for India’s independence. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who gave their lives for the nation.
The ceremony also emphasised the vital role of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s freedom struggle. During his visit in December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose declared the Islands as the first liberated territory and raised the tricolour, a monumental step in India’s journey to independence.
This annual commemoration continues to instil patriotism and collective pride, serving as a tribute to the enduring values of freedom and unity that define the nation.